Weekend's slight warm-up could precede frigid precipitation

Published: Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 12:00 PM.

A slight warm-up this weekend may be a good time to prepare for another blast of colder than normal temperatures — and another possibility of snow.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Newport, which includes Onslow and Carteret counties in its forecast area, said the long-range forecast is calling for a chance of snow by the middle of next week.

“Some snow showers are in the forecast, pretty much Tuesday night into Wednesday, but it’s too far in advance to say what we’ll see,” said meteorologist Lara Pagano.

Pagano said there are still a lot of inconsistencies in the forecast models, and it will likely be late in the weekend or Monday before the snow forecast becomes clearer.

“Once we get into Monday there should be more confidence in the model,” she said.

But snow or not, the bitter cold temperatures will be returning early next week.

A slight warm-up this weekend may be a good time to prepare for another blast of colder than normal temperatures — and another possibility of snow.

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Newport, which includes Onslow and Carteret counties in its forecast area, said the long-range forecast is calling for a chance of snow by the middle of next week.

“Some snow showers are in the forecast, pretty much Tuesday night into Wednesday, but it’s too far in advance to say what we’ll see,” said meteorologist Lara Pagano.

Pagano said there are still a lot of inconsistencies in the forecast models, and it will likely be late in the weekend or Monday before the snow forecast becomes clearer.

“Once we get into Monday there should be more confidence in the model,” she said.

But snow or not, the bitter cold temperatures will be returning early next week.

Wilbur Parker of One Accord Firewood in Jacksonville said he’s noticed the cold in the amount of business he’s seen so far this winter.

“We’ve sold more wood this year, almost double of what we did last year,” he said.

While few of his customers use firewood as a primary source for heating their homes, Parker said they are using fireplaces to supplement other heating sources.

“When the weather gets down to around 20 degrees your average heat pump can’t keep up,” he said.

Wood-burning fireplaces can also provide heat in the case of an emergency, power goes out or other heating sources are lost.

With the persistent cold temperatures he recommends keeping wood stocked.

“I’d advise anyone using wood-burning source of heat to keep enough wood on hand to hold them for 3-5-7 days,” he said.

There are also a few steps area residents can take to keep their car maintained in the extreme cold.

While coastal car owners may not think of doing so as often, they should check the antifreeze and make sure it doesn’t need to be replaced.

Car batteries can also be affected by the cold.

Beverly Garten of the service department at National Volkswagen said batteries weaken as they age and it’s best to replace them as they get older and to keep the terminals clean.

“Those are the two big things to think about,” she said.

She said it also helps to make sure windshield wipers are turned off when you turn your car off. If not, the wiper blades can get stuck to the windshield by frost and ice and make it difficult for the motors that run the wipers.

Onslow County Emergency Services Director Norman Bryson said Friday that they are monitoring the forecast and the possibility of snow in the area.

He said snowfall, unless it brings icy conditions that cause widespread power outages, typically impacts travel more than anything else.

“For the most part, if you are talking about snow, it affects transportation and the roadways and people getting out,” he said.

That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be ready for inclement weather. Having an emergency supply kit is important at all times. Keeping water, batteries, flashlights, nonperishable food, medications and other necessities at hand keeps families prepared year-around in case of weather events and disaster.

“People should have a disaster preparedness kit in case of hurricane, tornado, cold weather or any event that may happen,” Bryson said.

Joy Branham of the Red Cross is looking forward to the possibility of a coastal snowfall. She enjoyed six inches of snow just after arriving in Onslow County from the foothills of North Carolina in 2003 but has missed seeing more than a flurry or two since.

“I’m holding out for double digits,” she said.

It may be too soon to know if she’ll get her wish but it’s not too early to prepare, she said.

She said having food and supplies and activities for the kids can help prepare for being indoors and plan for appropriate attire if heading outside for an extended period of time.

“Wear layers of lightweight clothing, and wearing gloves and hat help prevent you from losing body heat,” Branham said.

If traveling, keep a full tank of gas in the car, a blanket and emergency supply kit with you.